see all

Spine Conditions A-Z

More Spondylolisthesis Information

Spondylolisthesis



vertebra in the spine slip forward

What Is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a medical term used for spine slippage. The human spine has a perfectly aligned S shape, but spondylolisthesis distorts this alignment. With spondylolisthesis, a vertebra slips forward or backward onto the vertebra below.

Depending on the cause, spondylolisthesis can be classified into 5 different types: degenerative, isthmic, dysplastic/congenital, pathogenic, and traumatic spondylolisthesis.

  1. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is most commonly caused by degenerative diseases. It’s usually found in older people and is especially common among African-Americans.
  2. Isthmic spondylolisthesis affects both adults and children. It is generally caused by a small fracture(s) in the pars interarticularis, part of the facet joint.
  3. Dysplastic spondylolisthesis, also known as congenital spondylolisthesis, is a result of a congenital birth defect.
  4. Pathogenic spondylolisthesis is caused by diseases such as tumors or infections.
  5. Traumatic spondylolisthesis is the result of a bone fracture from a traumatic event.

Although spondylolisthesis can occur anywhere on the spine, it is most common in the lower back and is a common source of lower back pain. Even though in many cases, the symptoms can be improved with non-surgical treatments, serious spondylolisthesis may need surgery. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis can be extremely painful and debilitating. Sufferers often have trouble working, as function is limited and walking is difficult.

Note From Dr. Liu Spondylolisthesis grades dictate the proper course of treatment. Grade 1 and 2 spondylolisthesis are generally responsive to conservative treatments, but higher grades often require surgery.

Spondylolisthesis Grades

The severity of spondylolisthesis is measured by the degree of slippage, or the percentage of one vertebral body that has slipped forward on another. The higher the spondylolisthesis grade, the more severe the condition is. Each of the four spondylolisthesis grades represents a 25% slippage. For example, the first of the spondylolisthesis grades is a 1, meaning less than 25% of a vertebra has slipped away from the one below it; in spondylolisthesis grades 2 – 4 the slippage is further increased in intervals of 25% with grade 2 being 25%-50%, grade 3 being 50%-75% and finally grade 4 being 75%-100%.

HEALTHY SPINE A Healthy Spinal Vertebral

Figure 1a. A healthy spine with no vertebral slippage.

SPONDYLOLISTHESIS Spondylolisthesis

Figure 1b. Spondylolisthesis seen in an unhealthy spine.


Are you suffering from Spondylolisthesis?

To help determine what stage of spondylolisthesis you are at, we offer a very simple 3 step process that will help provide you the answers you need to make the most informed decision you can on what treatment is best for you.

Begin 3 Step Diagnosis Process

Need assistance, or for answers to any questions you have please contact us now or call (877) 272-4535.